The woman who died Tuesday in a four-alarm fire at a garden-style apartment complex in Lorton, Virginia, has been identified as Mary Ann Brookie, 34. News4's Erika Gonzalez reports. (Published Wednesday, May 28, 2014)

The woman who died Tuesday in a four-alarm fire at a garden-style apartment complex in Lorton, Virginia, has been identified as Mary Ann Brookie, 34.

Brookie lived at 8228 Catbird Circle in Lorton, where Fairfax County firefighters responded around 3 p.m. Tuesday to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the third floor of the building.

Fire officials said the fire spread to the fourth floor, attic and roof before it could be brought under control about two hours later.

One Dead, Four Injured in Lorton Apartment Fire

Fire investigators said the fire was accidental and was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. The materials were in the victim's apartment, said Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Public Information Officer Dan Schmidt.

Many other residents were trapped on the higher floors and had to be rescued.

As the fire grew stronger, firefighters had to adjust from an interior search and rescue to an external one due to the force of the flames. Approximately 160 firefighters ultimately went to the scene, and six suffered minor injuries.

"The plume, the wind was pushing that fire," neighbor Suzanne Schaefer said. "I don't mean to be selfish, this woman died, but we're so lucky [to be OK]."

Twelve apartments were severely damaged, and 36 residents were displaced. One resident was treated by paramedics at the scene but was not taken to a hospital.

Damage is estimated at $1 million.

Published at 3:44 PM EDT on May 28, 2014 | Updated at 11:33 PM EDT on May 28, 2014